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Help ensure care for hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus is most commonly spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, from mother to child at the time of delivery, or by contaminated drug injecting equipment.
However, the hepatitis B virus is common in many countries in Southeast Asia. In fact, one in 10 Asian-Americans is infected with the hepatitis B virus. Although it disproportionately impacts Asians, everyone is at risk. It is the leading cause of liver cancer and of the need for liver transplants in California.
Currently low-income individuals infected with hepatitis B are not automatically eligible for Medi-Cal benefits until they become disabled. Once infected individuals develop liver disease or liver cancer, these more severely ill individuals are eligible for Medi-Cal benefits. But of course the cost of treatment becomes much higher when these individuals are disabled.
AB 158 by Fiona Ma (D–San Francisco) would provide treatment to individuals with hepatitis B before they become disabled.
It is essential to treat all Californians for this disease as soon as possible before they become even sicker and the costs to the health care system escalate. Please send in a letter of support to your senator today.
Please copy the following text into your favorite word processor and customize it. Return it to LLP so we can track it.
The Hon.
The California State Legislature
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Senator:
I am writing to express support for AB 158, which would expand Medi-Cal benefits to non-disabled people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B.
Approximately 280,000 Californians are infected with chronic hepatitis B. Such people have a higher risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. Early treatment of hepatitis B can reduce the risk of progression to liver disease and liver cancer.
Current law makes uninsured Californians wait until they are disabled to get Medi-Cal assistance. AB 158 recognizes the cost savings of early treatment, and should be enacted.
Thank you for your consideration of this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
This page updated July 2, 2008.